While it may seem like Linux-only projects are betraying their loyal base by developing Windows or OSX versions, I would argue that cross-platform development is actually better for Linux as a whole, better for individual software projects and their developers, and ultimately better for Linux users.

The "free' Windows software is an illusion. Every few years the Windows PC owner must buy new hardware to run the latest version. Don't forget the new versions of Office, McAfee, Norton, Nero etc which are also purchased by most users.

My 5yo home built PC still runs Ubuntu 11.04 as well as it ran Ubuntu 6.10 back in 2006. I haven't spent a cent on software and have only replaced a hard drive and PSU (which was over 10 years old). It will probably still easily meet the minimum hardware requirements for Linux for another 10-15 years.

The "free' Windows software is an illusion. Every few years the Windows PC owner must buy new hardware to run the latest version. Don't forget the new versions of Office, McAfee, Norton, Nero etc which are also purchased by most users.

Only one problem with the above... Everything you said is total bullsh*t.

Really? Which Linux distribution is supported for 10 years like Windows XP?

You do realize that one of the reasons while Windows prevailed in business (and thus in homes) is because of the support. And backwards compatability. Backwards compatibily - yeah I'm sure you never heard that, because Linux is a giant mess and stuff goes deprecated even before you can learn it's APIs, lol.